Ive tried Different Internet Service Provider in the Philippines. PLDT, Globe, Datelcom, Converge ICT (Comclark), and Bayantel. When I was young, I first obtained my first Smart Bro during its glory days (2007). I have no complaints about speed at that moment since I was never aware about the Data Caps because I was so excited to have an internet connection at home, all I know is that I'm using a very high speed internet for just 999. But after experiencing 2 years of using the service, I slowly crave for real high speed internet, since SmartBro is the only provider available in Apalit, Pampanga, you'll have no choice but to follow their services.
I remember the canopy days. Those where the days when there is no limitations on data caps. It felt so good to have that, even though it's hard to download in 512k internet speed. But atleast I had to experience seamless 512k internet.
In 2009, PLDT "Unlimited" myDSL (DSL)came along and offered their cable internet at Apalit. It sure was fast at first, but then I start noticing that the speed of the internet decays after long hours of using it. Then I read an article on Comcast's internet Fair Usage Policy (FUP)
I don't have the courage to confront PLDT about it since I am not just the person availing the service, and what do you possibly expect from a budget internet package.
Have you ever wondered why PLDT, Globe and Other ISP has slow connection? it maybe you have reached your bandwidth limit set by your ISP Check this article I've made about Internet Data Caps in the Philippines.
Thank you Internet
If there is one thing I am thankful with the existence of the internet, It is the fact that I've learned a lot of things in which companies failed to discuss whenever they wanted to hide something for us. Internet geniuses (SEO people) introduced articles for us. I learned that Internet Caps happens everywhere, at US, at UK, and even in my own backyard. I have no complaints about that, the only complaints I have is the failure to disclose such information to users like me.
Why do ISP need to conceal their FUP?
Perhaps its the biggest question I have in mind at that moment. If there's one thing that most people don't know at that time is "product knowledge" because internet is a new thing for us, we don't care about the technicalities, that made companies abuse such lack of knowledge. In result, they monopolized the market and control the package rates. Imagine, it took almost 8 years for people to complain about the slow internet connection, wherein, the major companies has savored our money for a slow internet connection.
Most expensive internet in the world
According to GMA News Portal
The study showed that Philippine Internet users spend $18.19 per Mbps, compared to an average of $5.21 per Mbps worldwide. This put the Philippines at 161st of 202 countries.
The Game is Changing
The competition is getting bigger. Internet business has become a necessity at this generation of smartphones and tablets. The big three (PLDT, GLOBE, SUN) dominated almost 75% of the market, which prompt them to control the general pricing of internet service. Since these big three controlled us that they are the best since they are BIG, little competition has been secured, giving the rest of 25% to those who wanted to get away from the Big three.
Converge ICT Solutions Inc.
 |
| This is my speedtest upon Converge ICT provided me a internet connection to test with |
The company do offer "Pure Fiber Technology" as advertised in their website. According to an insider, they called it "Pure" since the "fiber optic" strands is delivered directly through your home. In comparison to the Big Three, converge owns atleast 10% of overall share of internet users.
 |
| Telstra is 2nd fastest Internet provider according to a source |
Now, we are in the wake of revolutionizing the internet connection rates. The upcoming TELSTRA may become a game changer, but that fact doesn't really exist until TELSTRA set up a connection with rates that may forever change the game. TELSTRA has always been eager to tap ASIAN market. It first attempted to connect to Hongkong, tying up with PACNET. Now, it wanted to join the internet business in the philippines and have San Miguel group.
If you recall, San Miguel Group's Wi-tribe has promised us a high speed connection. It was advertised everywhere. In TVC, in the TV in every SM hypermarket you've bumped accross and in large billboard print. Some experts said that it was "a commercial failure" since it didn't push through with its over promising services.
Conclusion
Predicting the internet's future in the Philippines is getting complicated since new options are popping out of nowhere. With the birth of Converge and Telstra, the big three no longer control the market price of internet service. Let's see if these companies can keep up with the big three, or they will be another promise just like "Wi-tribe"
Comments